2022 Raiders Draft: The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

While the Las Vegas Raiders continue to sort out their coaching and administrative future, the postseason evaluation bowl season begins. This Saturday, players that you may not be familiar with gather in Pasadena for the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Granted, if you’re accustomed to just reading blurbs about players, this game features prospects that would give the Raiders immediate help, whether drafted or signed as undrafted free agents.

Around FPC

AFC: Game Recap: Bengals Defeat Raiders 26-19

NFL: Home Field Advantage in NFL Remains a Big-Time Mystery

NFL: If You Like NFL History, the 2021 Playoffs Are For You

NHL: NHL Power Rankings: Florida Panthers Remain Number One

Wrestling: WWE Once Again Chooses To Go Back To Brock Lesnar

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 28: Bengals and Bills Advance; Wild Card Weekend Preview and Predictions

Ty Chandler (RB, Tennessee/North Carolina)

Initially, the former Vol/Tarheel could present the Raiders with a valuable third running back. With Josh Jacobs and the returning Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas needs an explosive piece to the puzzle. Jalen Richard enters free agency and the Raiders would be better for it. Outside of this play, and maybe, this one, can you name another moment? Richard touted as a pass-receiving back hasn’t caught a receiving touchdown since 2017. As a runner, after six full seasons, four rushing touchdowns isn’t a key for long-term success. Meanwhile, Chandler’s frame, durability, and burst would fit seamlessly into whatever offensive scheme the new Raiders coaching staff envisions. Plus, Chandler provides kick-return value with a 22.3-yard average and one score during his career.

Kolby Harvell-Peel (S/LB, Oklahoma State)

In 2020, the Raiders drafted Tanner Muse with the hopes that he’d provide them with special teams work, while developing his coverage skills. Muse never played a regular-season down. Meanwhile, Harvell-Peel, displays an evolved cover set and profiles as a future special teams dynamo. As a defender, Oklahoma State deployed him as a blitzer (four sacks) and in coverage (ten interceptions). If Harvell Peel does see coverage snaps, look for him in subpackage work, that would showcase his uncanny ball skills.

Aqeel Glass (QB, Alabama A&M)

Now, before the comments flood the timeline, look deeper. How much longer do you believe Marcus Mariota will enjoy catching random snaps and not consistent field time? Additionally, who, besides Derek Carr, was the last quarterback developed by the Raiders franchise? HBCU standout Glass fits the build. Regardless of Carr staying in Vegas or not, Glass makes sense for so many reasons. First, blessed with measurables (6’5″, 215), Glass gets the most of his vast athletic skillset. Next, while he does possess a strong arm, the confidence in his accuracy stands out most. Glass will ignore the tight coverage down the sideline and still attempt to make the throw, which usually found its way into the receiver’s hands. The Raiders could use a developmental quarterback and groom him into an eventual starter. Remember, Derek Carr enters his ninth year, with one playoff game (a loss).

Overview

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl gives the Raiders their first chance to see a diverse group of players from various schools and levels. Overall, this year’s field feels like one of the most talented in years. As mentioned, the decision-makers of this team will change. Under those circumstances, stacking the roster with talented young players.